In tea party speech, McDonnell backs 'repeal amendment'

RICHMOND

Gov. Bob McDonnell told tea party activists Friday that he'll support a proposed U.S. constitutional amendment that would give states the collective power to repeal any federal law or regulation they don't like.

McDonnell, who was greeted with cheers and a standing ovation during the first day of a state convention for tea party members, also said he is not satisfied with the $100 million in potential spending cuts that his government reform commission has identified. More need to be found, he said.

McDonnell's appearance was one of the more popular attractions at the Richmond Convention Center. Another anticipated event - a debate scheduled today that was to feature all three candidates in Virginia's 2nd Congressional District election - may be less confrontational. U.S. Rep. Glenn Nye, a Democrat, won't be coming. "He decided it was more important right now to be with constituents, given that there's another debate already," said Leah Nelson, Nye's spokesperson. Other candidates in the race, Republican Scott Rigell and independent Kenny Golden, have said they will be at the convention.

All three are scheduled to participate tonight in a League of Women Voters forum at Old Dominion University's Virginia Beach Higher Education Center. The public event begins at 7.

McDonnell told conventioneers that changes in the Constitution are necessary after a half-century of congressional "bipartisan trampling" on the compact that reserves for the states any powers not explicitly given to the federal government in the Constitution.

The governor said he's seen drafts of the so-called Repeal Amendment promoted by Virginia House Speaker William Howell, R-Stafford. It would allow the repeal of a federal law or regulation if legislatures in two-thirds of the states voted for the change. Howell has said the amendment would allow states to make changes in federal laws without having to challenge them on constitutional grounds.

Creating the new state power over congressional action would "strike a balance between the central government and the will of the people," the governor said.

McDonnell also predicted that his reform commission will be in place for his entire four-year term.

" What they have found so far is low-hanging fruit," he said. "I think there's a long way to go."

While tea party organizers had said they intended to grill the governor on issues important to them, his responses mostly drew applause.

Terry Schraner, a retired teacher from Prince George County, said he believes McDonnell has the right idea in seeking to cut government.

"They have to get things under control," Schraner said, adding that the governor will have a tough time accomplishing his goals within one term. Virginia doesn't permit governors to run for consecutive terms.

More than 2,000 people jammed meeting rooms to hear speakers explain constitutional history, how to lobby and tactics for organizing in their communities. Other forums were more focused, including an event where a Heritage Foundation speaker warned that a deluge of uneducated immigrants - both legal and illegal - will swamp Social Security and the nation's other entitlement programs.

Vendors hawked T-shirts, bumper stickers and buttons sporting anti-Washington messages like "Obama bin lying" or "Notice to Congress: It's not your money it's our money." And a ctivists offered brochures, books and videos promoting conservative causes.

Leslie Jones, a member of the 912 First Landing group in Virginia Beach, said the event was a good way to meet people in tea party organizations.

"It's kind of fun," Jones said.

Jamie Radke, head of the Richmond Tea Party and the convention's chief organizer, said she hopes it will encourage tea party members to stay active.

"One of the things that is important for me is for people to see other tea party patriots. I wanted them to see that this is a big movement in Virginia," Radke said.

She and other leaders are counting on the smaller groups to help push their legislative agenda in the General Assembly in 2011.

Leaders announced they will push for three state constitutional changes. They want to abolish the state's individual and corporate income taxes and to create an education tax credit that allows people or companies a dollar-for-dollar tax cut for any money spent for private schools. They also want an amendment to prohibit the forcible government purchase of private property for economic development, job creation or "tax revenue enhancement."

Several GOP leaders will participate in a forum today. State Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and former U.S. Sens. George Allen of Virginia and Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania will be part of a panel. "The tea party is the peasants outside the castle walls with pitchforks," said Paul Henick of Chesterfield County. "The government is inside the castle. The people should not fear the government. The government should fear the people."

Henick, who openly wears a handgun and is a member of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, stressed that he's not preaching violence but peaceful change. However, he said, the right to bear arms helps make sure that government leaders will listen.

Bill Bartel, (757) 446-2398, bill.bartel@pilotonline.com